Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200 versus rival model with similar score

Further readings for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ200

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Intended for travel photography or everyday use, the 16-Mpix Panasonic DMC-FZ70 features a optical stabilized lens with an astonishing 60x zoom range. Read on to find out how this compact ‘super-zoom’ model performs.

The Lumix DMC-FZ200 ($599) is Panasonic's flagship super-zoom digital camera. While recent models have been relatively minor upgrades, the FZ200 returns to its roots by featuring a lens with an F2.8 maximum aperture across its entire zoom range. The early models in the FZ series (FZ1 - FZ20) had lenses with constant maximum apertures, but that stopped with the FZ30, launched back in 2005. Last year's DMC-FZ150 had an F2.8 - F5.2 lens, so the lens on the FZ200 is a huge improvement, and the extra brightness should make a real difference at long focal lengths and/or in poor light, allowing you to shoot at lower, less noisy ISO settings.

First replies for this comment

Re: Really?

Well, yes if you look at the comparison through the rather narrow view of birding watching, the Panasonic has the Nikon beat. But when you are comparing sensor performance and IQ, which is what DxOMark does, the P7700 has a clear advantage. No need to get your feathers ruffled.

Your tests are absurd

It's absurd to apply the same tests for fixed lens cameras as you use for interchangable lens cameras. For fixed lens cameras, you should provide tests that measure the image quality produced by the sensor and lens together, not just the sensor alone. After all there is no way to change the lens on a fixed lens camera so who cares how well the sensor does by itself?

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Re: Your tests are absurd

I agree since they need to measure the total system to make any valid judgements.

I also wonder why anyone would prefer to look through an electronic viewfinder of 201K which cripples both the Nikon and Canon bridge cameras ? Who can hold a 1,200 mm lens at arms length to compose with the external LCD ? Silly.

If you can't see it, how can you photograph it ?

Fujifilm Finepix and Panasonic Lumix both provide high resolution eye level viewfinders which are big differentiators in favor of their bridge cameras.